Stephen A. Smith and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James sent the NBA world into a frenzy after their courtside altercation after the team’s win against the New York Knicks.
James seemed to confront Smith angrily, asking him not to slight his son and NBA player, Bronny James.
NBA fans were divided over the clip, many thinking that Bronny — a part of the NBA — should be open to criticism from the media. However, some backed James’ point of view as a father.
As the clip went viral, Smith used his ESPN platform to address the matter.
Stephen A. Smith Addresses Heated Exchange With LeBron James After Viral Video
Addressing James’ confrontation, Smith admitted that he never would have spoken up if it didn’t go viral. After all, it was a one-on-one, and Smith wanted to maintain that.
Though Smith made sure to acknowledge James as a father, he also highlighted the NBA star’s decision to confront him rather than have a proper conversation.
Stephen A. Smith begins First Take confirming that LeBron James confronted him at last night's Lakers game over comments about Bronny James.
"That wasn't a basketball player confronting me, that was a parent, that was a father." pic.twitter.com/QTWmScRIGF
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing)
“That was LeBron James coming up to me. Unexpectedly I might add. To confront me about making sure I mind what I say about his son…I thought long and hard about this over the last few hours. Because I had no intention of talking about this at all. And the reason why is because it was a one-on-one. Won’t say a conversation, but it was a one-on-one confrontation,” Smith said via ESPN.
However, Smith made sure everyone knew it was Bronny’s father speaking to him, and not a four-time NBA champion.
“That wasn’t a basketball player confronting me, that was a parent, that was a father. And, I can’t sit here and feel angry or feel slighted by LeBron James in anyway in that regard. By all accounts, he’s obviously a wonderful family man. A wonderful father who cares very very deeply about his son,” Smith added.
Furthermore, Smith revealed that James heard some comments and reacted to them.
That being said, Smith thinks James believes he slighted his son, expecting the NBA icon to reach out personally before speaking to him on court.
What Exactly Did James Say to Smith?
Though Smith refused to reveal the exact words James said, some fans did catch their interaction.
“Keep my son out of this sh*t,” James apparently said.
LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith sharing some words after the game tonight
Looks like Bron’s telling him “keep my son out of this sh**.” 👀
(h/t @LADEIG, via @legendofwinning) pic.twitter.com/QyOBAWO0p1
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops)
The issue apparently started weeks ago, when Smith took to criticizing Bronny’s presence in the NBA and James’ parenting. Though there was no direct response from James then, people close to the family had reached out to Smith to express their displeasure.
James, following the confrontation, is yet to speak of the matter publicly.
Smith from Trump league